Women in Golf Awards recognise amazing contribution to the sport

The amazing contribution women make to golf was celebrated at the second Women in Golf Awards.

One hundred women and men gathered at Walton Heath, ahead of the AIG Women’s Open, to showcase inspiring stories at a glitzy ceremony hosted by Nicola Bennett.

The Women in Golf Awards is an annual event celebrating women, past and present, and also showing the diverse nature of the roles they hold in the industry.

The winners, who range in age from 20 to 83, are:

Female PGA Coach of the Year: Sally Hinton, of Close House, in recognition of her commitment to growing women and girls golf;

Unsung Hero: Maureen Clarke, of Sherwood Forest, for her 40-year commitment to golf – volunteering roles in rules, handicapping and junior golf at club, county, and national level;

Women’s Initiative: Yvonne Brooke, founder of The Ladies Golf Lounge, for establishing a 10,000-plus social community of women golfers;

Women in Turfcare: Amanda Dorans, of Loch Lomond Golf Club, for being a champion of sustainability for the last 15 years;

Rising Star: Daisy Starling, assistant greenkeeper at Lydd Golf Club, in recognition of her appetite, commitment, and passion for a role she had to google a definition for when she joined;

Venue of the Year: Burnham & Berrow, who have delivered significant change at their club by delivering multiple initiatives linked to its R&A Women in Golf Charter pledges;

Brand of the Year: Pure Golf, for its products, service, and commitment to empowering women golfers;

International Woman of the Year: Karen Proctor. During her 20-year career she has dedicated her time to supporting initiatives that help others address the gender imbalance in the industry and breaking boundaries in the region;

Trailblazer Award: Emma Whitlock, county secretary at Sussex County Golf. Emma has transformed the Union since being elected to the role, including advocating for girls to take part in the boys’ competitions, introducing sustainable practices, and trialling mixed events. She is one of only two women to hold a country secretary role and is the youngest person to do so in the UK.

Inspirational Achievement: The founder members of the first women’s professional tour in the UK. The award recognised the bravery they showed in giving up their amateur playing rights, the passion that they brought to the game, their camaraderie and commitment to inspiring others to take up the sport.  Founder Member, Denise Hastings, WPGA Chair Sarah Bennett, and PGA Director Tracey Loveys accepted the award on their behalf.

Nicole Wheatley, co-founder of the awards, said: “What a night! I feel like we have met some future industry leaders this evening. To see them shine on this stage gives me a huge sense of pride, and confidence that golf continues to move in the right direction. 

“I have no doubt that the guests have gone away inspired, motivated, and with joy in their hearts, just as I have.”

The ballot for 2024 Women in Golf Awards ceremony is now open and available through the Women in Golf Awards website.

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